Bahamas

Under the cover of night, they lay in wait for merchant ships and plodding Spanish galleons filled with gold. Hundreds of islands, each with tiny cays and channels, were perfect hiding places for Blackbeard and other pirates who plundered ships all along the Bahamas in the late 1600s.

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: September 23, 2017 14:05 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESBahamas - Exercise a high degree of cautionThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for the Bahamas. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to high rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.Travel Health Notice - Zika virusThe Public Health Agency of Canada has issued advice for travellers on the Zika virus, recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the Bahamas. See Health for more information.3. SECURITYCrimeCrime, including violent crime, occurs mainly on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama. There has been an increase in muggings, armed robberies, home invasions and sexual assault targeting tourists in the cities of Nassau and Freeport. Incidents of robbery take place in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas, even in daylight hours. If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and do not resist. Avoid non-tourist neighbourhoods in downtown Nassau, especially at night, where the crime accounts for much of Bahamas' high murder rate.Sexual assault occurs frequently, particularly near hotels, in hotel rooms, in casinos, on cruise ships and on the beach. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, do not consume any drugs and don't accept rides from strangers or from unlicensed taxi drivers. Due to incidents of sexual assault, it is recommended to be wary when embarking on jet-ski rides with licensed or unlicensed operators.Opportunistic crime, including petty theft and purse snatching, occurs frequently in tourist areas. Do not carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewellery. Secure your valuables, passports and travel documents in your hotel room safe. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. Never leave your personal belongings unattended in restaurants or bars, or at the beach.Withdraw or exchange money at automated banking machines or exchange bureaus during daylight hours only, or inside reputable financial institutions, hotels and plazas. Do not exchange money on the street. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when making withdrawals. Check your credit card statements regularly for potential fraud or unauthorized charges.When driving, keep your car doors locked and your windows rolled up. Never get out of your car to remove items blocking the road; this could be a ploy by armed assailants to rob you. Keep valuables out of sight in your parked vehicle.Stay alert to your surroundings, even in areas normally considered safe. Avoid deserted beaches and do not walk alone, particularly after dark. Crime increases during the holidays.Spiked food and drinksNever leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.Women's safetySexual assaults are on the rise in Nassau, including on Paradise Island. In some incidents, the victim was drugged. Consult our publication, Her Own Way: A Woman's Safe-travel Guide, for travel safety information for Canadian women.Excursions and water activitiesOnly undertake excursions with a well-established and reputable company. Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance.Be cautious and mindful of the risks to your personal safety when partaking in recreational water activities. Ensure that beach and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition, and that helmets and life jackets are available. Tourists have been seriously injured using jet skis and other watercraft due to the poorly regulated water sports rental industry in The Bahamas. Rent water sports equipment only from reputable, locally registered operators, and insist on proper training before using the equipment.CruisesSeveral ports in The Bahamas are cruise-ship stops. See Advice for Cruise Travellers for tips to ensure your well-being during a cruise.Personal water craftPersons operating personal water craft and boats alone should be alert to the possibility of encountering similar craft operated by illegal drug traders.Road safetyUse caution when driving in The Bahamas. Roads are generally adequate in major cities, but in poor condition in rural areas. Bicycles, mopeds and pedestrians can be hazards, particularly on the busy streets of Nassau and Freeport. Road construction is not always well marked. Drunk driving is common. Traffic accidents frequently result in injuries and death.Public transportationTaxis do not use meters; therefore, it is best to negotiate the price before you get in. Only use licensed taxis and take particular care late at night.After dusk, avoid travelling on local buses on routes outside of the main tourist areas.Air travelThe Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines' compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Bahamian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.PassportCanadians must present a passport to visit The Bahamas, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.VisasTourist visa: Not required (up to eight months)Business visa: Not requiredStudent permit: RequiredOther entry requirementsYou must be in possession of a valid return or onward ticket.If travelling by private vessel, certain documentation is required for entry to The Bahamas. Contact the Department of Immigration for more information.You must complete and sign an immigration card upon entry to The Bahamas. This card will be stamped by officials at the point of entry and you are required to keep the card until your departure.Departure taxThere is a mandatory departure tax of $15 (US or Bahamian), which may be included in the price of the plane ticket.Children and travelChildren need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical care is good in Nassau and Freeport, but limited elsewhere. Medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to require patients to sign an undertaking-to-pay agreement and to take a credit card impression as guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care. Serious cases are transferred to Nassau, Freeport or Miami by air ambulance. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if necessary. Report any serious sickness or injury requiring hospitalization to the Consulate of Canada in Nassau. Consult Well on Your Way-A Canadian's Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad for more information.Prescription drugsIf you take prescription medication, bring along an adequate supply and a copy of the doctor's prescription. Medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.Illegal drugsPenalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.LawsLong-line fishing is illegal in Bahamian waters. All long-line fishing gear must be stowed below deck while transiting Bahamian waters. Stiff penalties are imposed for catching crawfish (lobster) or other marine life in protected areas or out of season.If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in The Bahamas, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and The Bahamas before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.DrivingTraffic drives on the left.A valid Canadian driver's licence is sufficient for driving in The Bahamas for up to three months.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in The Bahamas. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Bahamian citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Bahamian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.MoneyThe currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks. U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended. Automated banking machines are located on the larger islands, in airport terminals, banks, casinos and some hotels.It is illegal to depart the country with more than B$200 in your possession.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEHurricane seasonThe hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.Hurricanes Irma and MariaHurricanes Irma and Maria swept parts of the Bahamas as major hurricanes on September 9 and 22, 2017 respectively. Transportation routes, power distribution and telecommunication systems could be affected in some areas. Other services that may be affected in these areas include emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies. Check with your travel agent or tour operator to confirm hotel conditions before travelling. Confirm the status of your flight with your airline as there may be delays or last-minute cancellations.

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